New York Prescription $aver Helped 12,000 Residents Save More Than $1 Million in First Year

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 1, 2010) - New York Prescription $aver, a consumer-benefit administered by the State Department of Health with pharmacies and drug manufacturers, helped nearly 12,000 New Yorkers save more than $1 million on prescription medications during its first year.

The program, which began April 1, 2009, provides a free discount card that can be used to help reduce the cost of prescription drugs for New York residents between the ages of 50 and 64, and individuals with disabilities. Eligible residents must have income below $35,000 for an individual or $50,000 if married.

"Prescription medications are often essential to maintaining good health and an active lifestyle," said State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. "New York Prescription $aver lowers the cost of many medications, helping to ensure that people can afford to purchase prescription drugs. We are pleased that so many New Yorkers have taken advantage of this innovative, cost-saving program and encourage more people to join and begin saving on their prescription medications."

With New York Prescription $aver, participants use the discount card to receive an average of 49 percent savings on most outpatient medications. Under the program, participants simply present their discount card when picking up a prescription at the pharmacy to receive a cash discount at the counter. The prescriptions that can be purchased at a discount include most diabetes therapies; cardiovascular medications; prescription allergy drugs; and others.

All the large pharmacy chains, many independent pharmacies and 92 manufacturers participate in the program.